Trust Housing Association has completed the comprehensive redevelopment of Manse Gardens in Strachur, transforming an outdated former sheltered housing site into 16 modern, highly energy-efficient properties.

The completion gives a long-term future to the development, which had faced uncertainty after the withdrawal of revenue funding in 2017. Originally featuring 21 predominantly small studio bungalows and outdated communal facilities, the site had become underoccupied.

Since 2022, Trust has worked alongside existing residents, Argyll and Bute Council, the Scottish Government, and project partners to redesign the development to meet current local housing demand. The official opening of the redeveloped site took place on 7 October.

Construction began in spring 2025 and involved the selective demolition of five studio bungalows to establish a new central communal open space. The remaining studio properties were extended and comprehensively refurbished.

The resulting development provides 16 general-needs homes, including 13 one-bedroom properties, two two-bedroom homes, and a three-bedroom family house. All properties are fully allocated, with six former residents returning to Manse Gardens alongside new tenants.

The works also significantly enhanced the site's environmental performance. Key measures introduced include new insulation, high heat-retention electric storage heating, solar panels, and battery storage systems. All 16 homes achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band A rating, making them among the most energy-efficient in Trust's portfolio. Retaining and upgrading the existing buildings also resulted in a lower carbon footprint compared to full demolition and new construction.

Jackie McIntosh, Chief Executive at Trust, said: "Regeneration is not about starting again. At Manse Gardens, the right answer was to recognise the potential in what was already there, reshape it around local housing need and invest properly in its long-term future.

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"That approach has allowed us to retain much-needed homes in Strachur, welcome existing customers back to a place they know, and create a development that performs to an exceptionally high environmental standard.

"What is particularly important is that this is not merely a refurbishment of buildings. Manse Gardens now works differently as a place. There is a better mix of homes, a more open layout and shared outdoor space, and every property has been brought up to a standard that will serve customers well for years to come.

"It is an example of the kind of thoughtful regeneration that can protect existing housing, reduce environmental impact and deliver something genuinely better for the community."

Due to limited local temporary accommodation during the construction period, Trust arranged alternative housing for the six returning residents at the nearby Hunter's Quay Holiday Park.

The project was constructed by Argyll and Bute-based TSL Contractors Limited. Additional design and delivery support was provided by ABC Architects, NBM Construction Cost Consultants, Carbon Futures, Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects, McDonald & Cameron Ltd, and Green Home Systems Limited.

Funding for the regeneration was provided by Trust Housing Association, supported by the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme, Argyll & Bute Council's Strategic Housing Fund, and a portion of ECO4 grant funding.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Social Justice and Housing Secretary, said: "The opening of the Strachur housing development is a significant milestone for this rural community. The refurbishment has not only retained much-needed affordable homes for the area, but has also delivered high environmental standards, helping to reduce energy costs for residents while supporting our net zero ambitions.

"It is particularly pleasing to see both returning and new residents making their homes here, creating a thriving and sustainable community at the heart of Manse Gardens.

"This development has been supported through our Affordable Housing Supply Programme, which is helping to deliver affordable homes across the country. This year we are investing £926 million in the Programme, with Argyll and Bute receiving over £20 million."

Cllr Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said:

"The regeneration of Manse Gardens shows what can be achieved when partners work together to secure the long-term future of housing in our rural communities.

"By investing in the existing development rather than losing these homes, the project has created high-quality, sustainable housing that responds to local need while retaining an important source of affordable homes in Strachur. The refurbished homes also reflect changing housing needs, providing more accommodation suitable for single-person households as family sizes become smaller and demand for this type of housing continues to grow.

"It is particularly encouraging to see a development that had faced an uncertain future brought back into full use, with existing residents returning and new households now making Manse Gardens their home."

Manse Gardens has also been shortlisted in the Excellence in Regeneration and Sustainability category at the 2026 CIH Scotland Housing Awards, with winners set to be announced on 13 November.